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Stellar Day Trading – Tutorial, Brokers and Buying guide

Stellar is a distributed, hybrid blockchain. It works as a decentralised cryptocurrency based on Lumens, with the ticker symbol ‘XLM’. This page will break down everything you need to know about Stellar, including the cryptocurrency’s history, wallets and future price projections. Finally, some top tips on how to start day trading with Stellar coins will be given.

Stellar Brokers

  1. Pepperstone
  2. IC Markets
  3. Eightcap
  4. eToro
  5. Skilling

#1 - Pepperstone

Why We Chose Pepperstone

Pepperstone continues to prove itself as one of the most trusted crypto brokers. Although its selection of digital tokens is average, you can trade popular cryptos like Bitcoin and altcoins like Ripple with up to 1:10 leverage, while its crypto indices provide a holistic view of the digital currency markets not found on most day trading platforms.

"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BCH, BTC, ETH, LTC, DASH, ADA, LINK, DOGE, EOS, DOT, XRP, XLM, XTZ, UNI, BNB
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: BTC 30, ETH 0
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB

About Pepperstone

Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.

Pros

  • There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.

Cons

  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
  • There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
  • Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.
Visit Pepperstone

#2 - IC Markets

Why We Chose IC Markets

IC Markets offers 20+ cryptocurrencies which are tradable via CFDs, including lesser-known tokens such as Avalanche, Kusama and Uniswap. Commission-free trading is available, and experienced crypto traders can access high leverage up to 1:200 in the MetaTrader platforms.

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, BCH, DOT, DSH, EMC, EOS, ETH, LNK, LTC, NMC, PPC, XLM, XRP, ADA, BNB, DOG, UNI, XTZ
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: BTC 42.036
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
  • Minimum Deposit: $200
  • Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA

About IC Markets

IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.

Pros

  • With ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds and deep liquidity, IC Markets provides an optimal trading environment for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.

Cons

  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
Visit IC Markets

#3 - Eightcap

Why We Chose Eightcap

Eightcap’s crypto offering is best-in-class with 250+ crypto derivatives, surpassing that of almost every alternative. Testing also reveals Bitcoin spreads of 12 pips, coming in lower than most competitors, while it offers real-time trading ideas through the Crypto Crusher market scanner. Add in convenient deposits and withdrawals in digital currencies, and Eightcap offers the complete package for serious crypto traders.

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 250+ crypto CFDs and the Crypto Crusher market scanner, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, XRP, XMR, DSH, EOS, XLM, ADA, TRX, DOGE, BNB, DOT, MATIC, VET, AXS, NEO, SOL, UNI, AAVE, KSM, THETA, CAKE, SUSHI, ATOM, XTZ, SNX, COMP, FLOW, EGLD, PUNDIX, RAY, ZIL, QTUM, BAND, OMG, FIDA, BADGER, NEAR and many more
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: $12 (BTC)
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView
  • Minimum Deposit: $100
  • Regulator: ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB

Pros

  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
  • Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.

Cons

  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
Visit Eightcap

#4 - eToro

Why We Chose eToro

eToro leads the way in cryptocurrency trading, offering competitive spreads and a fixed 1% commission, plus their own wallet service. The broker offers a vast list of 95+ tokens which is continually being updated. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more

"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP, DASH, LTC, ETC, API3, CRO, SKL, IMX, ADA, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, TRX, ZEC, BNB, XTZ, DOT, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, FIL, ALGO, ATOM, MANA, APE, LRC, ENJ, BICO, BAT, BNT, OGN, MATIC and many more
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: BTC 1%
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: Yes
  • Platforms: eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $50
  • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA

About eToro

eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 76% of retail accounts lose money.

Pros

  • Top copy traders can receive annual payments up to 1.5% of assets under copy in the broker's Popular Investor Program
  • The copy trading app facilitates a best-in-class social environment, with an engaging social feed and community chat
  • The web platform and mobile app perform better in user reviews and app rankings than top competitors, including AvaTrade

Cons

  • Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD
  • There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners
  • There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital
Visit eToro

#5 - Skilling

Why We Chose Skilling

You can trade 50+ crypto pairs via leveraged CFDs. The list of tokens is longer than many rivals, including Vantage with only 30+, and you can get started easily with just $100.

"Skilling maintains its position as a top pick for beginners looking for a competitive zero commission account with direct access to a copy trading feature. It will also serve experienced strategy providers looking to earn commissions, or anyone looking to trade forex during extended hours."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: ACM, APE, AVE, ATM, AVA, AXS, BTC, BAR, BNB, BTC, BSV, XBN, ADA, CHZ, ATOM, CRO, DASH, MANA, DOGE, EOS, ETH, ENJ, XET, ETC, FTM, ONE, HT, IOTA, JUVE, LTC, LNK, XLC, XMR, NEO, OMG, PSG, CAKE, DOT, MATIC, QTUM and many more
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: Yes
  • Crypto Spread: BTC 0.5
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader, TradingView
  • Regulator: CySEC

About Skilling

Skilling is a multi-asset broker founded in 2016 and based in Cyprus. The brand offers hundreds of day trading instruments with competitive spreads from 0.1 pips and beginner-friendly platforms. Skilling are also regulated in Europe and beyond with a transparent pricing structure. You can sign up and start trading in three easy steps.

Pros

  • The broker has a solid global reputation and is regulated by top-tier authorities including the CySEC
  • The €100 deposit and zero commissions in the Standard account are accessible for beginners
  • Excellent third-party charting platforms are available for serious day traders, with dozens of technical indicators and advanced order types

Cons

  • Skilling trails alternatives like IG when it comes to research tools that can help day traders make informed decisions
  • You can only access shares in the Skilling Trader platform and fewer instruments are available overall in the MT4 accounts
Visit Skilling

What is Stellar?

Before considering the cryptocurrency’s potential, how precisely it works needs to be explained. Essentially, Stellar is an open-source payment technology that seeks to connect financial institutions, while seriously reducing the cost and time associated with cross-border transfers. For that reason, it is somewhat like the Ripple network. In fact, they both share the same initial protocol.

The stellar protocol is actually supported by a nonprofit, the Stellar Development Foundation. The Stellar blockchain enables users to generate their own tokens and Stellar can manage as many as 1,000 transactions each second.

day trading with Stellar

The cryptocurrency itself is based on Lumens. Each Lumen is a single unit of the currency. Initial supply was to be around 100 billion. 18 million or so XLM were swiftly in circulation.

One of the clear advantages of the cryptocurrency is that buying Lumens allows users to interact with a number of fiat currencies with ease. For example, both forex traders and travellers can capitalise on swift and straightforward access to the US dollar or Euro.

Overall then, their vision is clear if not challenging – they seek to revolutionise global financial transactions. Specifically, they want to allow developing nations to take part in global finances, starting in the South Pacific.

History

The Stellar team came to life in 2014. The cryptocurrency creators were the co-founder of the Ripple, Jed McCaleb and former lawyer Joyce Kim. In fact, the company was launched when McCaleb left Ripple after a number of disagreements. But while this may have dampened the outlook of Ripple, it ensured the Stellar owner had a point to prove.

At the initial launch, Stellar was built on the Ripple protocol. However, forking took place once a number of changes to critical consensus code were made. The Stellar Development Foundation built an updated version of the protocol, boasting a new consensus algorithm, based on a totally new code. April 2015 then saw the release of the white paper. The updated coin network then went live in November 2015.

Stellar Partnerships

Future value predictions for this cryptocurrency often hinge on information about potential partners. Fortunately, the company has secured investment and deals with a number of high profile enterprises, including:

 

Stellar Live Chart

XLMUSD Chart by TradingView

Architecture

Take the Stellar cryptocurrency vs Ripple and Bitcoin and a couple of clear differences arise. Firstly, Ripple is a closed system, whereas Stellar is open source. Servers run a software implementation of the protocol while using the internet to interact with other Stellar servers, creating a global value exchange network.

Each server makes a record of every account on the network. These details are then stored in a database, also known as a ledger. Servers will put forward changes to a ledger by suggesting transactions which move accounts from one location to another, by spending an account’s balance or altering a property of an account. All servers will then reach an agreement on which transactions to apply to the current ledger, known as ‘consensus’. This mechanism takes place regularly, every two to four-seconds in fact. As a result, each server’s copy of the ledger is synced and kept exactly the same.

The consensus protocol also means Stellar does not require coin mining pools, unlike the Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

On top of the protocol difference, Stellar’s CEO also seeks different customers. Ripple focuses on established banking institutions to enhance their cross-border transfer technology. Whereas Stellar is concerned with developing markets and has a number of uses for its technology, from money remittances to bank loan distribution to the unbanked.

Inflation

The coin’s rate is kept stable as Stellar has a built-in inflation system. Small amounts of free XLM are given to members. A tiny fraction of the Lumens taken from each operation goes towards inflation, as well as all other Lumens dispensed into circulation.

Benefits

There are a number of advantages to the Stellar cryptocurrency, including:

Drawbacks

Before you decide to purchase any of this cryptocurrency, coin reviews have highlighted a number of drawbacks, including:

So while coin reviews are mostly positive and their purpose admirable, market history shows us price can tumble at a moments notice. Not to mention, maintaining and gaining market share when competition is so fierce is challenging to say the least.

Where to Buy Stellar Coins

Fortunately, as a result of an increasing number of coin exchanges becoming available, buying Lumens is relatively straightforward. The cryptocurrency exchanges Binance, Bittrex, Poloniex, Kraken and Coinbase all have Stellar coins available for purchase. It is also possible to speculate on price movements without using an exchange, many brokers now offer single click access to crypto trading. IQ Option offer access to over 20 different coins and tokens.

Wallets

Now you know where to buy Stellar coins. However, you will also need to store your new coins in a wallet. You get a choice between mobile, desktop and web wallets. In fact, all of the following wallets support Lumens:

Faucets

There is also an option for those looking to get free stellar coins. Cryptocurrency faucets, usually found on websites or apps, are effectively reward systems. They simply give away coins in return for completing a captcha or task detailed on the website. If used correctly, faucets can help increase your total number of coins, which you can then use to day trade.

What’s Next for Stellar?

Trading reviews impress with the cryptocurrency’s price history and performance. Strong partnership deals and a focus on a stronger lightning network are likely to increase the coin’s future price predictions. Furthermore, The Stellar Decentralised Exchange (SDEX) is set to enhance scalability and security. It aims to bring cheaper rates between assets as well as low trading fees.

Despite the number of positives, coin and price graphs often fail to signpost potential pitfalls. Stellar certainly does come with risks. Strong competition and a monopoly on coin ownership could all prove dangerous for aspiring traders.

For further crypto guidance, see our cryptocurrency page.